Hope Springs Eternal

 Do you remember what you were doing in April of 2020? If you typically celebrate Spring or Easter or other holidays with family, were you able to be together? We tend to mark the passing of time by our shared experiences. And we have all shared a deep and prolonged experience over the past year!

I remember how much it hurt to think I'd be separated from my family last year. I remember trying to find a way to make April special as we "pivoted" in a big way. April was the first month of finding many things were going to be hard. Airports were shutting down, bars and restaurants were closing and schools were forced to send kids home to a new expectation..... parenting just  changed. I didn't expect that!

Due to a number of unforeseen events (and home maintenance), I ended up in Florida, with the most prolonged 'working vacation' imaginable. Our Florida-vacation-dream-home was suddenly just HOME, with a college student and high school student sharing tables, counter space, rooms, internet, zoom calls and cars. I had to share scavenging at "Faith Farm" with Dave who was now budgeting me on furniture and homeowner necessities.  Masks were in limited supply.... so we shared those, too!

Many of our usual tasks and work related patterns were put on hold. Many of our family, friends and coworkers were put on an "emotional hold" as we navigated all the challenges last year. I found myself in a different environment than I have ever imagined over Spring Break. I found myself locked down in tropical Florida instead of bitter cold Minnesota!

A true Minnesotan searches for signs of hope, because there's apt to still be ice on the lakes and snow on the north side of any March shadow.. I adapted to Florida quickly as I looked around at all the color, beauty and more green things to come! Florida helped me be an optimist. Florida supported my emotions and my adrenals! There is always "more to come!" There is always "hope!" And there will always be seasons in our lives that aren't "normal."

This April already feels better, don't you think? I think humans are only capable of about one year's confinement, whether it is our own choosing or a decree for the public good. I am reminded of the steps we go through during a period of grief or when someone we love dies: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

We could each tell our own story and we may each be in a different phase of grieving for a loved one, ourselves and for the world, but I think many of us are accepting that things have changed, due to a pandemic, but that we are resilient and hopeful no matter what. I am an optimist and my hope springs eternal, inside the heart of a rising star.